How will the new policy be enforced?

For a six-month period ending April 17, 2018, education will be the sole method of enforcement. After that point, citations may be issues. However, issuing citations is not the goal of the ordinance. The goal of the ordinance is to eliminate tobacco use in public parks, and education is a more beneficial way to do that.

Tobacco users can assist with enforcement by choosing to smoke before or after using a public park. That is the best enforcement of the ordinance. If you have any questions about why this is best choice, see the information sheet regarding the effects of tobacco use below.

Enforcement will happen with courtesy and respect, with an emphasis on education and support. The primary method of enforcement will be education and asking for voluntary compliance. Community members are one of the best enforcement tools for a tobacco-free policy. Most people do not want to be exposed to secondhand smoke, and are willing to speak up if they are being exposed and know an ordinance is in place that is being violated.